PMS: What is premenstrual syndrome? How to manage its symptoms?

Women often go through mild to severe discomfort during their periods. Some experience physical pain while others go through mood swings. According to the US National Institute of Health, about 5-8% of the women of reproductive age suffer from severe PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). Most of them also meet the criteria for PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). 

What is PMS?

A woman usually gets some signs that their period is arriving. For many women, it is not a big deal. But for others, the days approaching period become harder. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, PMS is a combination of emotional and physical symptoms that most women get before ovulation and before their menstrual periods start. Researchers say that this happens days after ovulation occurs as hormones such as estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fall dramatically if a woman is not pregnant. Therefore, PMS symptoms go away as hormones level begin rising back within a few days after a woman’s periods starts. 

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Symptoms of PMS

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According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms can be different for every woman. There are various types of symptoms such as physical or emotional. You can suffer bloating or gas, or emotional symptoms such as tiredness nd irritability, or both. They can change throughout your life.

Physical symptoms include:

• Swollen or tender breasts

• Hunger

• Swollen hands and feet soles

• Pimples

• Increase in weight

• Diarrhoea or Constipation

• Bloating or a gassy feeling

• Cramping

• Headache or backache

• Muscle ache

• Clumsiness

• Lower tolerance for noise or light

Emotional symptoms of PMS include:

• Irritability or hostile behaviour

• Anxiousness 

• Wanting to stay alone

• Feeling tired

• Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)

• Appetite changes or food cravings

• Anger outbursts

• Forgetfulness 

• The trouble with concentration or memory

• Tension or anxiety

• Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells

• Mood swings

• How to relieve yourself of the symptoms

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There are various ways to manage PMS. Despite your ability to fix it, you have the power to help yourself. Some tips might help you relieve the major symptoms of PMS. Check these ideas below.

• Regularly exercise

• Choose a healthy diet over junk food.

• Take rest

• Find ways to cope up with stress

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoke

• Try over the counter pain relievers including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Take the dosage as per the instructions. 

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